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Climate change enhanced by human beings has become one of the greatest challenges humanity has faced in its entire existence. In this paper, an analysis is made of the variables that influence the environmental perception of the population of thirty countries —28 European countries, USA and China—, in order to estimate the most explanatory factors and identify the causes of the appreciable differences in awareness between States. The study is based on a representative survey conducted between 2021 and 2022 among more than thirty thousand people in the above-mentioned countries. After a first level of aggregate analysis to establish perceptual differences between States, a more detailed study is carried out which, after considering a wide variety of socio-demographic variables, leads to the conclusion that the population’s perception and awareness of the climate issue is markedly ideological. Nevertheless, within what is conventionally understood as awareness, it is possible to differentiate between multiple aspects: awareness of the seriousness, perception of impacts, predisposition to an eventual change in habits, support for government measures, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports the observed data of average annual temperatures and precipitation for the period 1985–2016 for the regions of the Republic of Bashkortostan and an analysis of the influence of climate change on the soil climate. The Republic is one of Russia's largest producers of agricultural products, and the forest cover of the territory is almost 40%. Given the existence of extensive oil pipelines and water supply networks, the issue of soil climate is relevant also to the management of such infrastructure. The average annual air temperature in the region has increased by 0.7°C and some weather stations have recorded absolute increases in maximum temperatures. Thus, there is an increase in the length of the vegetative period but at the same time there is increased risk of drought. Further, the average annual rainfall is increasing. The importance of the depth of freezing of the soil for agriculture was considered; deep and unstable freezing zones were identified. The height of the snow cover has also decreased. The paper considers implications for engineering systems such as pipelines and basements for different buildings and constructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the possibilities and prospects of cooperation for the Republic of Korea and the UN in climate science and technology on the basis of strategies and policies on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The human rights dimension and the future of the two Koreas forms the context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This book covers the food question worldwide in terms of its sustainability and the environmental changes, which are arising. The papers are arranged in four parts, Greening Food Supply, Greening Food Demand, Greening Food Waste, and Conserving Land and Sea to Support Food Security. The present system of I subsidies i will have to be progressively reformed into one of I incentives i which may be possible in countries where industrial agriculture and large-scale farming occur with a small workforce. [Extracted from the article]

Climate change, one of the major challenges of our time, requires international responses. This paper focuses on understanding what shapes climate change literacy in Africa, i.e. the understanding and knowledge about all the elements of climate change: its causes, its consequences and its solutions. The methodology is based on the seventh round of the Afrobarometer surveys, which for the first time included questions about climate change. The results show in particular the central role of direct experience of the connected understanding between the different aspects of literacy and the complexity of the impact of identity and trust in institutions. All these elements should be key to motivate governments in responding to climate change challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the gas phase and solid phase environmental pollution produce double problems. The first is to reduce the current pollutants and the second is to stop producing further pollutants. The first is the simpler because existing technologies are satisfactory although expensive. The second problem is more involved because new technologies need to be developed. Such developments are not only expensive, but require decades of major scientific and engineering efforts. This paper focuses only on the second, the more difficult problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficiency policies can help to reduce energy use and mitigate the effects of climate change. This paper examines the U.S. and Chinese economies by applying HEM to both. Key sectors absorbing more energy from other sectors by purchasing intermediate products from them and, simultaneously, transferring more energy by selling products to the rest of the sectors are identified. This provides insights for decision-making on appropriate energy efficiency policies. It appears that the U.S. economy should focus on the service sector, and the Chinese should focus on the industrial sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrologic model forecasts have inherent uncertainties from input errors, lack of physical representation, and parameter equifinality. Accurate modelling results with reduced uncertainty are necessary for water resources management and decision-making, especially in a changing climate scenario. To this end, the hydrologic modelling community widely accepts the assimilation of satellite remote sensing data. This paper reviews the recent developments in hydrologic data assimilation (DA) focusing on progress in the role of satellite remote sensing data in reducing model uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to correct prevailing assumptions about Bangladesh’s susceptibility to floods, tropical cyclones and drought, and the extent to which global warming has already affected the country’s climate. Analysis of 50 years of the country’s climate and hydrological data showed no evidence that rainfall amounts have changed or that floods, tropical cyclones and droughts have increased in frequency or severity. The extent to which global warming might have affected temperatures is made uncertain by the probably greater impact on temperatures at recording stations of widespread changes in land use and the heat-island effect resulting from urban expansion around the stations. The paper reviews both the diversity of environments in Bangladesh’s coastal area exposed to sea-level rise and the possible mitigation methods. Two major conclusions are drawn: that population increase and rapid urbanisation pose more serious immediate problems for development planning in Bangladesh than climate change; and that education at all levels needs to include practical field studies that could provide all students with a better understanding of the country’s diverse and locally complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers' perceptions and responses to climate change vary across Africa. This paper investigates the impacts of cultural beliefs on smallholders' perceptions and responses to climate change and the implicit gender relations. A field visit was conducted in the Oku community, Bamenda Highlands, Cameroon in 2015 using open-ended questions. Witchcraft and ancestral retribution were the predominant beliefs associated with the causes of climate change and adaptation strategies. Therefore, the cultural dimension should be considered when planning climate change awareness programmes and during the design of adaptation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in weather pattern caused by climate change generate more frequent extreme rain events as well as droughts. Sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) are useful adaptations to this new reality. The paper surveys the use of these systems in other countries in relation to their use in Spain, particularly the Spanish Mediterranean region. There is a future for more detention of floodwaters as well as more use against drought of water which can be treated and reused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarcity will affect nearly two-thirds of the world in the near future. The impacts of climate change are likely to exacerbate these problems and unless appropriate adaptation strategies are adopted, resilience is difficult to achieve. The paper surveys the water resources available in South Asian countries and takes into account the projected climate change impacts on these resources. The paper also analyses the water policies and formulates a conceptual water policy framework in which adaptation is central. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper describes variability in trends of tree growth at tree-line locations of the Kolar and East Sayan Ridges in the high latitudes of Eurasia (East Siberia), providing a wide regional comparison over a 500-year period. The study focuses on the nature of local and widespread tree-growth responses to the Little Ice Age and Recent Warming climate changes. We found that tree-growth in studied areas mainly depended on June temperatures. Changes in June temperature were more pronounced in the Kolar Ridge compared to the East Sayan Ridge. In general, summer temperature regimes were more unstable during the Recent Warming, compared to the Little Ice Age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the problem of dissemination of the most dangerous agricultural pests in Western Siberia in recent decades, especially the rapid expansion of Colorado beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) to the north and east. The dissemination of Bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus Sav.) follows a new regional crop - haricot bean. The paper analyses the reasons for pests' dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper assesses the sustainability of fuelwood production in regard to REDD+ in southern Burkina Faso. Data collection included a review of the forest management plans, an inventory of 135 plots in addition to silvicultural observations in three Forest Management Units. Fuelwood production data exceeded data from approved management plans by 50%. The conversion of forests to farmlands was observed in two parcels in addition to bush fire and grazing activities – an indication that minimum safeguard measures were not respected. The use of chain saws, capacity strengthening, political will and the effective implementation of approved management plans can all ensure the sustainability of fuelwood production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes and analyses the work of Växjö to become a green city. Reduced energy use, alternative energies, alternative housing and reduced carbon dioxide emissions are all steps on the path of progress to a fossil fuel free future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the temporal variability in monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall over a drought prone district in India. Long period rainfall data, from 1950 to 2012, were investigated over the district by analysis of anomalies and application of both parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. Decline in annual rainfall is evident in the study area with highest number of below mean rainfall years observed in the recent decade (2000–2009). Only 25% of the annual rainy days span across pre-monsoon, post-monsoon and winter season, reinforcing the high dependence of local communities on monsoonal rainfall for effective crop growth. Against this, a decreasing trend in monsoonal rainfall is noticed over the years. In conclusion, the present paper argues for district level rainfall studies which will provide local stakeholders with the necessary information for better planning and management of rainfall dependent development sectors, thus resulting in reduced overall socio-economic upheaval of rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Since the publication of the third assessment report of The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, vulnerability to climate change has become an important research question. Vulnerability assessment on the urban scale has become a major issue. This paper describes a conceptual framework for modelling vulnerability at the urban scale, the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment model. The model is applied to Shanghai, a typical geographically vulnerable and rapidly-urbanizing case study area. Using Arc-GIS, a vulnerability map was created for understanding the spatial dynamics of climate change vulnerability in Shanghai. An additional process, combined with the weighting coefficients, produced different vulnerable areas. Based on the vulnerability map, we located several high risk areas. The vulnerability of each area was assessed. Identifying the risks in each case and associating them with a specific region can be useful for decision makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper offers an economic evaluation of the floating garden as a means of adapting to climate change in Bangladesh. The study showed that the monthly income of some farmers using such gardens increased from US$12.02 to US$48.08. These folk farmers lacked alternative work especially during the monsoon period. The floating garden uses available natural resources, adjusts to wet conditions and helps the flood-prone people to earn a living, and can be an adaptive response to frequent disaster events in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental and sustainable development indicators have proliferated since the Rio Earth Summit. This paper attempts to evaluate five indices developed in recent years: the Sustainable Society Index, Happy Planet Index, Environmentally Responsible Happy Nations Index, Responsibility–Capacity Index and Sustainability Index by Fuzzy Evaluation. These indices aggregate information about environmental and development indicators. A comparison of the empirical values of the indices reveals that they do not provide a consistent picture and that the aggregation methods are subjective and debatable. Nevertheless, they all show that the majority of nations in the world need to re-examine their development policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an assessment of smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change, its impacts on agricultural production and adaptive responses in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The findings show that increased temperature and decreased rainfall are widely held perceptions; all respondents stated that they had observed increase in temperature and decrease in annual and seasonal rainfall amounts. The major impacts of climate change on local livelihoods as reported by respondents include decline in the length of growing period, increased crop damage by insects and pests, and increased severity of weed infestation. Some respondents also reported an increase in the incidence of livestock diseases. The adaptive responses by the smallholder farmers to the perceived or experienced climate change include adjustments in crop and livestock production activities, and investments in sustainable land management at household and community levels. Despite the range of autonomous adaptive responses adopted, climate change is negatively affecting smallholder agriculture, and thus rural livelihoods, in the study area, indicating the need for planned adaptation interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article develops a formal model for comparing the cost structure of the two main transport options for natural gas: liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipelines. In particular, it evaluates how variations in the prices of natural gas and greenhouse gas emissions affect the relative cost-efficiency of these two options. Natural gas is often promoted as the most environmentally friendly of all fossil fuels, and LNG as a modern and efficient way of transporting it. Some research has been carried out into the local environmental impact of LNG facilities, but almost none into aspects related to climate change. This paper concludes that at current price levels for natural gas and CO2 emissions the distance from field to consumer and the volume of natural gas transported are the main determinants of transport costs. The pricing of natural gas and greenhouse emissions influence the relative cost-efficiency of LNG and pipeline transport, but only to a limited degree at current price levels. Because more energy is required for the LNG process (especially for fuelling the liquefaction process) than for pipelines at distances below 9100 km, LNG is more exposed to variability in the price of natural gas and greenhouse gas emissions up to this distance. If the prices of natural gas and/or greenhouse gas emission rise dramatically in the future, this will affect the choice between pipelines and LNG. Such a price increase will be favourable for pipelines relative to LNG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reviews the problems impeding adaptation to the effects of climate change, but discerns hopeful trends. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Palsa peatlands occupy extensive areas in Western Siberia which is one of the most paludified flat lowlands of the world. Climatic changes in Western Siberia are more dramatic compared with other northern regions, and changes in palsa landscapes are more notable due to the severe continental climate here. The distribution, peculiarities and climate-indication capacities of West Siberian palsas are poorly known outside Russia. Thus, Western Siberia is one of the most interesting vast natural polygons for studying climate-driven changes in the landscapes. This paper aims to fill the gap in knowledge on West Siberian palsas and their capacity as a climate regulator. We present issues in distribution, typology and cyclic development of palsa peatlands and their actual climate-driven changes. We also analyse the role of palsas in the atmospheric cycle of CO2, and the hydrology of the palsa regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trend to global warming is one of the most important problems of our time. This paper reports the findings of self-management questionnaires, in regard to views held on the issue of climate change by the students of the Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources of the Democritus University of Thrace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that the most obvious measure to combat greenhouse gas emissions is to remove the vast subsidies that promote higher energy consumption in more than half of the countries in the world, and that this measure should take precedence over many others. The article discusses also why removing energy subsidies is so difficult, and which type of state may succeed. This question is examined with reference to China, India and Russia, all major contributors to global warming. Non-democratic governments and energy importers might be expected to be more likely to halt subsidies. In fact, energy trade imbalances do not seem to significantly affect the capacity to reduce subsidies. The risk of social unrest is a political restraint in all three countries. Perhaps surprisingly, democratic states may be better positioned to remove subsidies than non-democratic ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for water and electricity in the Middle East causes environmental stress. Along with the industrial sector, desalination and power plants are linked to fossil fuel combustion, which is chiefly responsible for increased carbon dioxide emissions. The magnitude of certain sustainable development indicators (such as the ecological footprint) has led to growing concern. This paper presents some of the challenges facing the transition to sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

News coverage of climate change has increased in the English-speaking industrialised countries since 2005. The development of news coverage, especially in the United States, has been widely studied. Knowledge of the development and contents of climate debate in other languages than English is sparse. This paper presents the development on the press news coverage on climate change in Finland during the period 1990-2009 and discusses different social, economic and ecological factors influencing the news coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the relationship between climate change and urban development in Africa, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, and discusses potential adaptation policies for moderating the consequences of climatic changes on urban development in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper sketches the planning of the Royal Botanic Garden at Tel Al Rumman. This has been not only a personal struggle for the author, but also the result of a remarkable public campaign in Jordan, which contains many lessons. With the threat of climate change and increased rate of biodiversity loss it has become imperative that we reverse the situation if we are to live a life of dignity. The RBG Jordan is one concentrated effort to achieve a new balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper surveys the energy problem in relation to global warming and the social criteria of India. India's failure to develop a policy on global warming is highlighted and her economic policy judged in relation to her energy options, including such notable work as jatropha development and nuclear energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 1990 carbon dioxide emissions in Africa have increased by about 50%. The total carbon dioxide emissions of the entire African continent are not, however, anywhere near those of countries such as India or China. Yet certain African countries have per capita emissions comparable to some European countries. What is the outlook for Africa? How should African countries respond as it becomes increasingly likely that climate change is occurring? Increased industrial growth and more foreign investment in Africa, especially in countries that are politically and economically stable, have led to huge commercial developments such as the In Salah gas project in Algeria, which releases more than a million tons of carbon dioxide annually; and synthetic fuel plants and power stations in South Africa that generate more than 350 million tons per year. In this perspective should some African countries be required to limit greenhouse gas emissions or should they be immune to 'environmental taxation'? This paper critically reviews the carbon dioxide problem in some parts of Africa and its role in climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the cycles and indices of drought in Iran and prepares general maps of the region, which are affected by droughts with 10‐ and 30‐year reversible periods frequency of 1 and 3 years by utilizing statistical methods. To study the condition of drought, some indices have been applied in Yazd Province over a 48‐year statistical period (1925–2000). Then with regard to existing statistics (1998–2001), the effect of drought on various issues during the most recent drought cycle have been assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses the public perception of climate variability and change on both local and global scales by residents of Ibadan, the largest truly indigenous city in sub-Saharan Africa. Data for the survey was collected by the administration of a questionnaire to 453 respondents of different social and demographic strata within the city. The questions were aimed at eliciting how citizens perceived climatic experiences in their local environment and globally; its dynamics and citizens explanations for the changes identified. Sources of climatic information of respondents were explored and the social and demographic specific difference of respondents on the issues analysed. The outcome of the study indicates that a significant proportion (92%) of the public is aware of the dynamics of the local climate. In addition, almost 70% of the respondents have heard of global climate change but less than 25% know the causes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]